Publié le Storms Nils and Pedro and flooding in western and south-western France: France Assureurs and CCR estimate the cost of damage at €1.2 billion
On February 12 and 19, 2026, storms Nils and Pedro successively hit France. The heavy rainfall and exceptional flooding that accompanied these storms caused extensive human and material damage in several regions of France, particularly in the west and south-west. Three people lost their lives as floodwaters rose. Many residents remain without electricity, while others were forced to leave their homes, sometimes at very short notice. CCR (Caisse Centrale de Réassurance) and France Assureurs wish to express their full solidarity with the families of the victims and all those affected.
A succession of extreme weather events early in the year resulted in large-scale flooding. CCR conducted modelling work based on observations available as of February 25, 2025, to estimate the cost of losses, while France Assureurs relied on field data from its member companies.
France Assureurs estimates the cost of losses related to the storms at €900 million. As for the floods, CCR estimates the cost at €290 million under the natural disaster compensation scheme (Cat Nat). The total cost of damage linked to these weather events is therefore estimated at €1.2 billion.
France Assureurs and CCR once again express their solidarity with all those affected by these events. Insurers are fully mobilised to support their policyholders in these difficult times and to ensure compensation is provided in the best possible conditions. France Assureurs and CCR welcome the efforts of public authorities to accelerate the process for the official recognition of a natural disaster status.
France Assureurs and CCR remind policyholders that storm and natural disaster coverage are mandatorily included in home insurance policies. Storm coverage can be activated directly, without requiring an interministerial natural disaster order.
With respect to natural disaster coverage, which notably includes flooding once its intensity exceeds the thresholds defined by an interministerial order recognising natural disaster status, activation occurs after the publication of that order.
The Cat Nat scheme relies on a public-private partnership between insurers, CCR and the State. Funded on a pooled and solidarity-based mechanism, it helps absorb the financial impact of exceptionally severe events while preserving the responsibility of each stakeholder. This mechanism contributes to maintaining fair risk coverage across the whole country.
Edouard VIEILLEFOND, Managing Director of CCR: “In the face of such exceptional circumstances, the mobilisation of all stakeholders in the Cat Nat scheme helps accelerate timelines and, ultimately, ensures faster compensation for policyholders. Above all, we must highlight the strength of the French system, which guarantees effective coverage for policyholders in both flooding and storms, regardless of whether a Cat Nat order has been issued. Once again, the Cat Nat scheme proves the sturdiness and efficiency of its core principles: solidarity, pooling, responsibility and public-private partnership. The Cat Nat scheme goes beyond a simple compensation mechanism, it is a pillar of resilience for French society and the economy. It protects companies and citizens, while supporting regions and local communities. As we have entered a new climate regime, the Cat Nat scheme is increasingly asserting itself as a cornerstone of national solidarity and a strategic asset for France.”
Mrs Florence Lustman, President of France Assureurs: “As storm Pedro followed storm Nils, large-scale flooding affected several regions of the country. Insurers have been fully mobilised from the start to support their policyholders in these difficult times. On February 19, the first day of water receding, a reconnaissance team visited the Garonne basin to help accelerate compensation processing. On February 20, insurers announced that the reporting period for storm-related claims would be extended from 5 to 30 days. Moreover, France Assureurs’ territorial correspondents for “Major Events”, deployed in the field, are already in contact with local authorities. Beyond measures to best support those affected, insurers are calling for collective mobilisation on flood prevention so that all stakeholders are prepared to face natural events that are becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change.”
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Press Release – Storms Nils and Pedro and flooding in western and south-western France: France Assureurs and CCR estimate the cost of damage at €1.2 billion (PDF)
